PDP challenges APC to disclose Tinubu’s academic records in US court case

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has been ordered by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to explain why its attorneys in the US were so desperate to keep some crucial information about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s academic records at Chicago State University (CSU) secret from the public.

The PDP said that Tinubu’s public statements that his academic credentials are flawless are in direct conflict with the lawyers’ request asking the US District Court of Illinois not to reveal the said academic details.

The PDP remembered that Tinubu had told Nigerians in a public speech that “I was one of those most recruited graduates of my university, multiple honours, First Class Degree and I have the reference point,” adding, “I have the reference point.”

“In light of the foregoing assertion, the PDP holds that the lawyers’ argument that the specifics of his academic record should not be made public is a great disservice to President Tinubu in particular and Nigeria in general,” the opposition said in a statement on Friday that was signed by Debo Ologunagba, national publicity secretary.

According to the PDP, the APC’s frantic efforts to hide important details are consistent with their propensity for deceit and shady business practises in their interactions with Nigerians, which have become more pronounced under Abdullahi Ganduje’s leadership.

The PDP claims that by electing Ganduje as its national chairman, “the APC further confirms itself as not only being a cesspool of corruption but as irredeemably given to concealing and condoning of depravity, sleaze, and mendacious acts.” This is true “despite the malodorous corruption and bribery allegations against him in the public domain.”

The party went on to say that it is odd that the APC has not responded to accusations and public suspicions of sabotage in the Monday, September 25, 2023, fire outbreak at the Supreme Court, which it claimed is suspected to have been an arsonist attack with the aim of impeding and frustrating the Supreme Court’s ability to handle the Presidential Election appeals currently before it.

According to the PDP, the APC must at the very least accept that it is morally obligated to guarantee that it is transparent with Nigerians and the rest of the world and that doing so is desirable.

Failure to fulfil this obligation to Nigerians is unacceptable, the PDP emphasised.

The PDP continued, “The endless list of probes, inquiries, and investigations launched on various matters without reports under the APC since 2015 validates the above.”

“It is obvious that the APC poses a serious threat to the democracy of our country.

The PDP appeals to all men of good will in Nigeria and elsewhere to remain firm in support of democracy, transparency, and the rule of law, particularly at this crucial juncture.